Family. Travel. Alaska. Photography

Nancy Lake Public Use Cabins

This weekend the family enjoyed the Nancy Lake Public Use Cabins. There are four cabins, we stayed in Cabin #3.

There is a groomed trail from the parking lot that provides an easy walk to cabins #2 and #4. There’s a fork to Cabin #1 along the trail that was not groomed but did not look difficult. Cabin #3 is surrounded by private property and therefore is only accessible from the lake. For summer time there is no boat launch near the parking lot so your options on this side of the lake are limited to carrying a canoe or inflatable to Cabin #1 and ferrying your group and gear that way. We went during the winter so we only had a short walk on the lake ice from Cabin #1 to get to our destination.

Nancy Lake Public Use Cabin #3

Cabin #3 took a day to grow on me. We prefer the charm of log cabins, but this cabin was built out of lumber and plywood. The wood stove was very touchy to light and keep going, and does not do a good job of keeping the interior warm. We had to maintain the stove almost hourly during the night to keep it going. Nancy lake is also fairly well built up with vacation cabins, so we didn’t get that remote feel that we enjoy about cabin rentals.

Nancy Lake Public Use Cabin – Kitchen Area

Nancy Lake Public Use Cabin – Main Area

Nancy Lake Public Use Cabin – Sleeping Area

Although I was initially put off from the cabin and its surroundings, we ended up having a great time! The area gave the kids a lot to explore. They found a snow cave someone had recently made, and made friends with a small Vole that was living in the bushes, no doubt enjoying the crumbs left outside by cabin guests. I expected the frozen lake to be full of snowmachiners, but we were there 2 nights and only saw 3 during that time. In all, it was a peaceful, relaxing time with the family.

We did get a good look at Cabin #1 since it was unoccupied when we went by and were unimpressed. Thankfully it has been replaced since our visit in 2015 with a newer log cabin that looks quite inviting.

Cabin #4 was occupied both times we went by it, so we couldn’t get a look at the inside. It is clear from the outside that would be a very cozy cabin to stay in. It has a covered deck that gave it instant charm and ‘curb appeal’, as well as a small dock for a boat.

Nancy Lake Public Use Cabin #4 from a distance

For more information on these and other Public Use Cabins in the area visit the Parks and Recreation website here. The ‘Check Availability’ button will show availability and rental information. Cabins can be rented 6 months in advance and do fill up year-round, so plan ahead!